Patti Labelle is a legendary singer, actress, and author who has a passion for cooking. Her sweet potato pie recipe has become famous around the world and is highly sought after by pie lovers. Her recipe is believed to be the ultimate sweet potato pie recipe and hit a new level of popularity when a viral video gave it a nod of approval.
If you are looking to learn how to make Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pies, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will take a deep dive into the recipe step by step, including all the tips and tricks that will help you make the perfect pie. So, strap up your apron, grab your ingredients, and get ready to create a masterpiece that will be loved by everyone who tastes it.
Gathering Your Ingredients
To make Patti Labelle Sweet Potato Pies, you’ll need to gather a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need to make the pie crust – you can either buy pre-made crusts or make your own using flour, sugar, salt, butter, and ice water. Next, you’ll need about three medium-sized sweet potatoes, which you’ll need to peel, chop, and boil until tender.
You’ll also need to gather the rest of the pie filling ingredients, such as sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, heavy cream, butter, and eggs. Finally, you’ll need a few additional items, such as a mixing bowl, a hand mixer or stand mixer, a pie dish, and a rolling pin (if you’re making your own crust). Once you have all of your ingredients, you’re ready to get started on making the pies!
Prepping Your Sweet Potatoes
Prepping your sweet potatoes is the most crucial step in making Patti Labelle’s Sweet Potato Pies. You will need to begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, you should thoroughly wash and clean your sweet potatoes. Next, pierce them all over with a fork so that they bake evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 45-60 minutes, or until they are fork-tender.
Once the sweet potatoes are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool. It is essential to wait for them to cool completely before peeling the skin. Peeling the skin while the sweet potatoes are still hot may lead to a burnt hand or uneven flesh. After this step, you can mash or puree the sweet potatoes and add them to your recipe. By following these steps while prepping your sweet potatoes, you will ensure the perfect consistency and taste of Patti Labelle’s Sweet Potato Pies.
Mixing the Filling
Mixing the filling is an essential step in making Patti Labelle Sweet Potato Pies. To start with, peel and cut the sweet potatoes into small pieces and boil them until tender. Once they are drained and cooled, take a medium mixing bowl and add in the cooked sweet potatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, butter, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Using an electric mixer, mix all the ingredients until they are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
Next, add in the evaporated milk and mix it in well. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This step is crucial as we don’t want any uncooked egg flavor in the pie. Finally, pour the mixed filling into the pie crusts and make sure that it is leveled. The filling should be creamy, sweet with a hint of spice, just the way Patti Labelle makes it. Mixing the pie filling properly ensures a consistent texture and flavor, making it a hit with everyone who tries it.
Preparing the Crust
The crust of Patti Labelle’s famous sweet potato pie is just as important as the filling. This traditional pie crust recipe requires a few key ingredients and some careful preparation to create the perfect base.
To begin, gather flour, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cut in cold butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together in a ball. Divide the dough in half and shape each half into a disk. Roll out each disk on a floured surface until they are large enough to fit your pie pans. Press the dough into the pans, crimp the edges, and chill the crusts for at least 30 minutes before filling and baking. With this recipe, you can ensure that your Patti Labelle sweet potato pie looks and tastes just as legendary as hers.
Baking the Pie
Once your sweet potato pie filling is prepared, it’s time to bake it. The preheating process should take 10-15 minutes. Adjust the oven rack position to the lower-middle setting and preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The baking process should take 55-65 minutes.
Once your oven is heated, place the pie crusts on a baking sheet to prevent spillovers. Pour the filling evenly into the two pie crusts, being careful to fill them as full as possible without overflowing. If the pie crusts are of different sizes, watch them and remove the smaller one from the oven first if it appears to be done faster. Lastly, let the pies cool to room temperature before serving. Finally, the delicious Patti Labelle sweet potato pie will be read to serve. Enjoy!
Serving and Storing Your Delicious Pie
After baking your Patti Labelle sweet potato pie to perfection, it’s important to properly serve and store your creation. First, let your pie cool on a wire rack for at least an hour before serving. This will give the pie time to set and make it easier to slice.
When it comes to storing your pie, it’s best to keep it refrigerated. Wrap the pie tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve. The pie can last up to three days in the fridge, and it’s important to note that the longer it sits, the softer the crust will become. If you prefer your crust to be flakey, it’s recommended to serve the pie within one to two days of baking. Now sit back, slice yourself a piece, and enjoy this legendary dessert!
Modifications and Variations
Modifications and Variations
One of the great things about Patti Labelle’s sweet potato pie recipe is that it can be modified and varied to suit your preferences. If you prefer a sweeter pie, you can add more sugar or use a sweeter variety of sweet potatoes. Similarly, if you prefer a spicier pie, you can increase the amount of cinnamon or nutmeg in the recipe.
You can also get creative with the crust and filling of your pie. Try using graham cracker crust or adding pecans to the filling for a nutty twist. You can even experiment with different toppings like whipped cream or caramel sauce. Don’t be afraid to play around with the recipe and make it your own – after all, that’s what cooking is all about!
Final Thoughts
Making the perfect Patti Labelle sweet potato pie requires attention to detail and following the recipe closely. The key ingredients – sweet potatoes, butter, evaporated milk, and spices – must be measured precisely to ensure the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Additionally, adding a splash of vanilla extract can take the pie to the next level.
One of the joys of making Patti Labelle sweet potato pies is seeing the delight it brings to those who taste it. Whether it’s a family gathering or a holiday celebration, this dessert is sure to impress. And with a little practice and patience, anyone can master the art of making this delicious pie. So bring some joy to your next event and make a Patti Labelle sweet potato pie – you won’t regret it!